All dirt bikers are striving to be better. Go faster, ride smoother, clean sections, have more fun. In general we all want to improve. Well I have decided to ask the guys at the top of our sport a few questions to see what it is that makes them so good at what we all love! This is the first in what I hope to be a series of interviews to try and distill some of the habits, influences and routines that make our heroes who they are.
I reached out to Cody via Facebook and he was kind enough to offer to answer some questions that I emailed to him. I really like his answers and I think you will too.
In case you have been living under a rock and don’t know who Cody is, here is a short summary of his achievements:
2010 NATC Trials Champion
2014 Endurocross Champion
2015 Endurocross Champion
First American EVER on the podium at Erzberg (2nd) 2016
Without further ado, my “conversation” with Cody Webb.
HC: Do you have a morning routine that you practice everyday (i.e. not race days)? If so, what is it and why?
Cody: I make sure that I stretch nearly every morning. With my long limbs, I can get pretty stiff, so I make sure that I'm always trying to be limber. Just gets the day off to a good start for me and it even helps prevent injury.
HC: Do you have a pre-race routine that you use? If so, what does that look like and what are the benefits?
Cody: I’m really not the one who believes in superstition regarding pre-race rituals. I'm a pretty easy going guy and try not to sweat the small stuff, so I'm usually in a good mood and open to everyone before races. If it's cold out, I will do a pre-race warm up to get the blood flowing and warm up the appendages.
HC: What is your favorite book and why?
Cody: To be honest, I need to read more! Just like most everyone else probably. I'll be honest though, I'm pretty hooked on the Harry Potter series and have read all the books. Some of them I've read multiple times. Just because Harry Potter is an awesome adventure story and it's easy to read. Anyone could get hooked on it.
HC: If you could only do one training drill, what would it be and why?
Cody: I do figure 8’s after motos when I'm fatigued to work on my form and technique. Consistent cornering with the correct technique will help a lot in the long run. For physical training I like cycling because I get bored in the gym and I'm not training to get muscle gains. Just trying to be fit. Sometimes it's nice to be out by yourself in nature on the bicycle pondering all of lifes thoughts, whether it's on my roadie or mountain bike.
HC: Do you have a favorite failure? What I mean is, do you have a failure in your life that, while tough at the time, either changed the course of your life for the better or spurred you on to achieve greater things?
Cody: It probably would've been my trials career in '08-'09. I had a tough two years on a new four stroke trials bike, which was probably my least favorite bike. I struggled those two years and when I made a switch, everything changed for me and got a lot better. Digging through those years really kept me motivated.
HC: Who is the single greatest influence in your life and why?
Cody: Probably my father. Without him and his expertise, I wouldn't be where I'm at today. Sure we've had our differences, but he has always told me that character matters. I try to achieve that everyday.
HC: What is the most memorable race in your career so far and why? Cody: Probably getting second at the final Endurocross in '14 when I won the championship. It was unreal and with all my friends and family there, it made it that much better.
HC: What is the most fun about dirt bikes to you?
Cody: Striving to go where no one has ever been before. I consider myself a trail blazer, and I want to push the limits where I take my motorcycle. I want people to see my tire marks at the top of a rocky mountain peak and have them wonder what kind of crazy person would ever ride to the top!
HC: What is one non-motorcycle thing that you enjoy doing?
Cody: Does riding bicycles count? I know it has two wheels, but I enjoy it. I also enjoy going hiking with my fiancé and my pup. However only off the leash hiking, because he's an oxen and will pull your arm out of the socket.
HC: If you had to purchase a bike and ride it for 1 year and you couldn’t switch at all, would it be 2 stroke or 4 stroke?
Cody: 2 smoker for sure! If you ain't mixing gas, you ain't hauling ass. Going to be difficult with those new TPI bikes from KTM. Won't be the same, not putting your own premix in.
Big thanks to Cody for taking time out of his busy schedule for us! Show him some love by following him on all the socials!
If you have any suggested questions or contacts of racers for the next conversation please comment below.